Page 99 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

She goes back to LA soon and I go back to the OR. Nothing about that has changed.

What I told her tonight was true, though. About feeling like my whole identity isn’t chained to the hospital anymore, that I don’t owe Mr. Peltz or the orthopedic department my entire existence. That realization has been refreshing, liberating even. I’ve always thought that hospital was the only place I could ever work, that leaving would somehow mean I was failing.

But being with Hannah, taking this time away from my normal schedule, it’s shown me there are possibilities. I could be more than just the surgeon who does twenty-four joint replacements a month and never takes a vacation. I’ve been pursuing medicine to avoid everything else.

I climb out of the shower and dry off roughly, pulling on clean boxer briefs and a fresh t-shirt.

As I slide back into bed, sheets cool now, body finally relaxed, my mind drifts to geography. Where would I go if I did restructure things? What would that even look like?

Definitely not Hope Town. Going back means becoming Dwight Sterling’s son again before I’ve even unpacked. Everyone would have something to say about it. Expectations, comparisons, and opinions. I’ve worked too hard building myself.

For now, I’m going to finish this assignment with Hannah. Make sure her recovery is on track, get her set up with proper follow-up care in LA, and then I’ll head back to the hospital and figure out my next move.

Because hanging out with Hannah, watching her host a TV show with such natural charisma, seeing how she connects with the crew, witnessing her dedication even while recovering from surgery, it’s really helped me see opportunities for growth. For finding myself outside the rigid structure I’ve built my life around.

Yes, I enjoyed working and growing at the hospital. But I hadn’t realized how much more there could be—to my career, to my life in general. And that part excites me, even if there’s uncertainty in it. Even if it goes against my usual need for strict schedules and detailed plans.

If I said any of this out loud to my colleagues, they’d think I’d lost my mind.

But being a little bit free, letting go of some of that rigidity, it’s something I hadn’t realized I needed.

And that’s all thanks to her.

I fall asleep easier after that; my mind finally at ease. Tomorrow, I’ll be professional again. And I’ll go back to being just her doctor, nothing more.

But tonight, in the dark privacy of my own room, I can admit the truth to myself. I’ve fallen for her, and I have no idea what the hell I’m going to do about it.

Chapter 33

Zac

BREAKING: Dr. Sterling Faces SECOND Formal Complaint. Is America’s Favorite TV Star Behind It?

It seems our notoriously brooding surgeon has found himself in hot water once again.

Word is, Dr. Sterling has been slapped with a second formal complaint. Yes, you read that correctly. Once might’ve been a coincidence, but two? Sounds like a pattern.

The hospital board has launched a full investigation, though they’re staying quiet about the details.

The question on everyone’s lips: Who filed? Was it HER?

Could it be Hollywood’s diva, Hannah Morgan? Theories are already swirling.

Did he handle Miss Morgan too roughly? Did he neglect her care? Or is this something far more personal?

Keep following as the drama unfolds.

Dr. Whisperer

I stare at the headline, reading it for the third time.

Then I put my phone down and grip the steering wheel.

I’ve been summoned to the hospital for an urgent meeting with Peltz. Not asked. Summoned. I know what tone that sets before I’ve even walked through the door.

Hannah is at the Airbnb. The thought of leaving her without help makes my chest constrict. I sent a message to Karyn before I left, asking her to check in. It’s not ideal, but it’s what I have.

The drive feels longer than it is. Twice, I nearly turn around. The urge to go back to her is so strong; it takes everything I have to keep driving.